Strategies for D-Vitamin Intake – Health and Climate
Short description
Climate change is a global threat, and food production has been identified as the single largest contributing factor. Transitioning to a more plant-based diet with lower environmental impact is therefore highly motivated. However, for vitamin D, such a transition impairs the possibility of adequate intake in Sweden because vitamin D is found in fish and fortified dairy products with relatively high climate impact. Recently, mandatory fortification in Sweden was expanded to include higher levels and more fortified foods. Within this project, we will investigate whether a sustainable and adequate vitamin D intake can be achieved with the current fortification.
Climate change remains a global concern, and food production is the primary contributor. Shifting toward a more plant-based diet with reduced environmental impact is crucial. However, for vitamin D, this transition poses challenges to achieving adequate intake in Sweden due to its presence in fish and fortified dairy products with relatively high climate impact. The recent expansion of mandatory fortification in Sweden aims to increase vitamin D intake through higher levels and additional fortified foods. Yet, it remains uncertain whether sustainable and adequate vitamin D intake can be achieved with the current fortification.
Objectives
In Swedish adults, as well as in sensitive groups such as pregnant individuals, adolescents, and children, we aim to:
- Explore how adequate vitamin D intake can be achieved in a diet with low climate impact.
- Determine the need and value of further fortifying foods with vitamin D to achieve equitable health outcomes and reduce climate impact.
Implementation
We will link dietary data from large existing Swedish population-based cohorts, covering various age groups, to the Swedish food climate database with life cycle analysis of food’s climate impact. Linear programming will be used to explore how sufficient vitamin D intake can be obtained in diets with low climate impact. Additionally, analyzing 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in blood will allow further evaluation of current fortification policy. This project aims to provide essential insights into strategies for achieving sustainable vitamin D intake for both climate and health.